Foundation For Environmental Rights,Advocacy & Development - Fenrad-Nigeria

09/08/2026

PRESS RELEASE

FENRAD Applauds Restoration of Electricity Supply to Aba Ring-Fenced Area, Calls for Sustainable Gas Supply Alternatives

Aba, Abia State — August 8, 2026

Foundation For Environmental Rights,Advocacy & Development - Fenrad-Nigeria commends Aba Power and the entire Geometric Power Group for the restoration of electricity supply to the Aba Ring-Fenced Area following a prolonged disruption caused by the interruption of gas supply to the Geometric Power Plant.

FENRAD acknowledges the efforts of Aba Power, Geometric Power, Heirs Energies, the Abia State Government, relevant regulatory authorities, community stakeholders, electricity consumers, businesses, and other concerned groups whose interventions contributed to the restoration of power to the nine Local Government Areas within the Aba Ring-Fenced Area.

The restoration of electricity, following the resumption of adequate gas pressure to the Geometric Power Plant, comes as significant relief to residents, businesses, manufacturers, artisans, traders, healthcare providers, educational institutions, and other electricity-dependent enterprises across Aba and its environs.

FENRAD particularly appreciates the resilience, patience, and understanding demonstrated by electricity consumers throughout the period of the blackout. The prolonged outage imposed significant economic and social burdens on households and businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises that depend heavily on reliable electricity for their daily operations.

NEED FOR ALTERNATIVE AND SUSTAINABLE GAS SUPPLY ARRANGEMENTS

While welcoming the restoration of electricity supply, FENRAD believes that the recent disruption has once again exposed the vulnerability of electricity generation and distribution in the Aba Ring-Fenced Area to interruptions in gas supply.

The Foundation therefore calls on Geometric Power, Aba Power, Heirs Energies, relevant government institutions, regulators, and other stakeholders to urgently develop and implement alternative and complementary gas supply arrangements capable of ensuring continuity of power generation in the event of a failure or deficiency in the existing gas supply infrastructure.

FENRAD recognizes the challenges associated with ageing gas infrastructure and the efforts reportedly made to restore the failed component. However, the significant impact of the disruption on electricity consumers and the local economy underscores the urgent need for stronger contingency mechanisms.

FENRAD recommends that stakeholders:

Develop alternative gas supply sources and routes to reduce overdependence on a single supply infrastructure.

Establish a robust emergency power-generation contingency plan for the Aba Ring-Fenced Area in the event of future gas supply disruptions.

Prioritize the maintenance, rehabilitation, and modernization of ageing gas infrastructure serving power generation facilities in the region.

Strengthen coordination among gas producers, power generators, distribution companies, regulators, and government authorities to ensure rapid responses to infrastructure failures.

Institutionalize transparent and timely communication with electricity consumers whenever major disruptions occur, including clear information on the cause of outages, restoration efforts, and realistic timelines where possible.

COORDINATED COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT IS ESSENTIAL

FENRAD further calls for a more structured and coordinated approach to community engagement during major electricity or gas supply crises.

The solidarity demonstrated by business groups, traders' associations, manufacturers, landlords' associations, government representatives, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders during the recent crisis demonstrates the important role communities can play in protecting and sustaining critical infrastructure.

FENRAD believes that such engagement should not only occur during emergencies. A permanent stakeholder engagement framework involving electricity consumers, host communities, businesses, civil society organizations, traditional institutions, government agencies, and industry operators should be established to facilitate dialogue, information sharing, conflict prevention, and collective problem-solving.

RELIABLE ELECTRICITY IS CRITICAL TO ABA'S ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Aba remains one of Nigeria's important commercial and industrial centres, with thousands of businesses and manufacturing enterprises relying on dependable electricity to remain productive and competitive.

FENRAD therefore urges all stakeholders to view the restoration of electricity not merely as the end of a crisis, but as an opportunity to strengthen the resilience of the entire Aba electricity ecosystem.

The Foundation recognizes the efforts of the Abia State Government, relevant electricity regulatory authorities, the State House of Assembly Committee on Power and Public Utilities, Aba Power, Geometric Power, Heirs Energies, business associations, civil society groups, and other stakeholders who worked toward resolving the crisis.

FENRAD particularly commends electricity consumers across the Aba Ring-Fenced Area for their resilience, patience, and understanding during what was a difficult period for households, businesses, manufacturers, traders, and other electricity-dependent users.

The Foundation encourages all stakeholders to build on the lessons from the recent disruption and ensure that future challenges are met with better preparedness, diversified supply options, faster response mechanisms, effective consumer communication, and stronger community coordination.

FENRAD remains committed to advocating for environmental justice, responsible energy governance, consumer rights, sustainable development, and access to reliable and affordable electricity for communities across Nigeria.

SIGNED:
Comrade Nnanna Nwafor
Executive Director
Foundation for Environmental Rights Advocacy and Development (FENRAD) Nigeria
Tel; 08033383708,07062949232
Email: [email protected]
[email protected]
www.fenrad.org.ng

04/08/2026

04/08/2026

✳️FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

❇️FENRAD Calls for Immediate Resolution of Prolonged Power Outage in Aba, Raises Concerns over Monopoly in Aba Ring-Fence Electricity Market

❇️Date: August 3, 2026
Aba Abia State

✳️ The Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy and Development (FENRAD) a prominent civil Society organization and public accountability watchdogs expresses deep concern over the prolonged power outage that has plunged the Aba Ring-Fence Area into darkness following the disruption of natural gas supply to the 188MW Geometric Power Plant located in Osisioma Industrial Layout.

◻️The outage, which commenced at approximately 6:30 p.m. on Friday, July 31, 2026, has left the nine local government areas served under the Aba Ring-Fence without electricity, disrupting commercial activities, healthcare facilities, educational institutions, manufacturing industries, and the livelihoods of thousands of residents and businesses that depend on stable power supply.
According to public statements issued by Aba Power, the disruption resulted from a significant drop in gas pressure attributed to technical challenges affecting its gas supplier. While reports indicate that the interruption stems from operational constraints in gas supply infrastructure, the consequences continue to be borne by residents, businesses, healthcare facilities, educational institutions, and industries across the Aba Ring-Fence.

◻️FENRAD recognizes the strategic importance of the Geometric Power Project in transforming electricity supply within Aba and appreciates the efforts made over the years to improve power reliability in the commercial hub. However, the current situation once again exposes the vulnerability of a power system that depends on a single generation source and a single distribution structure without adequate redundancy or competitive alternatives.

◻️The economic implications of this outage are enormous. Aba remains one of Nigeria's foremost manufacturing and commercial centres, with thousands of small and medium-scale enterprises relying on uninterrupted electricity for production and service delivery. Every hour of blackout translates into lost productivity, increased operating costs through dependence on diesel and petrol generators, reduced incomes, and avoidable hardship for households and businesses already grappling with prevailing economic challenges.

◻️FENRAD therefore calls on Heirs Energies, Aba Power, Geometric Power Limited, the Nigerian Gas Marketing Limited (NGML), the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), the Abia State Electricity Regulatory Agency (ASERA), and all relevant regulatory authorities to urgently collaborate and deploy every available technical and operational resource to restore gas supply and electricity to the affected communities without further delay.

◻️The public deserves transparent and timely updates on the nature of the disruption, the remedial measures being undertaken, and a realistic timeline for the restoration of service.

◻️Beyond the immediate crisis, FENRAD believes that the incident has highlighted a more fundamental structural issue requiring urgent policy attention.

◻️The current monopolistic arrangement within the Aba Ring-Fence electricity market limits consumer choice and concentrates operational risk within a single network. Where a sole provider experiences a major technical or supply failure, millions of consumers are left without viable alternatives

◻️FENRAD further urges the Abia State Electricity Regulatory Agency (ASERA) to actively exercise its regulatory mandate by ensuring strict compliance with applicable electricity market regulations, safeguarding consumer interests, strengthening oversight of licensed operators, and promoting transparency and accountability in electricity service delivery within Abia State.

◻️Consequently, FENRAD calls on the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), the Abia State Electricity Regulatory Agency (ASERA), the Federal Ministry of Power, and the Abia State Government to urgently undertake a comprehensive review of the Aba Ring-Fence electricity framework with a view to encouraging greater competition, infrastructure redundancy, and a more resilient electricity market.

◻️The review should address existing monopolistic tendencies while promoting an enabling environment for responsible private sector participation, improved service delivery, enhanced consumer protection, and increased investment in electricity infrastructure.

▫️Unbundling monopolistic tendencies within the Ring-Fence will foster efficiency, improve consumer choice, strengthen market resilience, and reduce the systemic risks associated with dependence on a single electricity provider.

Furthermore,
◻️FENRAD urges all stakeholders to accelerate investments in gas infrastructure modernization, diversify fuel supply arrangements, strengthen transmission resilience, and develop contingency mechanisms capable of mitigating similar disruptions in the future. The recurring dependence on a single gas supply chain and limited operational alternatives poses significant risks to energy security and economic stability in the Aba Ring-Fence.
Reliable electricity is not merely an economic necessity;
▫️It is a fundamental driver of sustainable development, environmental protection, industrial growth, public health, education, and social wellbeing. Communities should not repeatedly bear the burden of institutional and infrastructure deficiencies that can be addressed through sound planning, effective regulation, coordinated investment, and a competitive electricity market.

◻️FENRAD stands in solidarity with the people and businesses of Aba is during this difficult period and urges all responsible institutions to act with urgency, transparency, and accountability to restore electricity while pursuing long-term reforms that will guarantee a resilient, competitive, reliable, and consumer-centred electricity sector for Abia State.

📌Signed:
Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor
Executive Director
Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy and Development (FENRAD)

Media Contact:
Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy and Development (FENRAD)
Tel; 08033383708,07062949232
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.fenrad.org ng www.fenrad.org.ng

29/07/2026

FENRAD Nigeria Participates in the Africa Social Impact Summit (ASIS) 2026 at Lagos

Theme: Financing for Development: Building Resilience and Transforming Emerging Economies
Background

The Foundation For Environmental Rights,Advocacy & Development - Fenrad-Nigeria participated in the Africa Social Impact Summit (ASIS) 2026, a premier platform that brought together governments, development partners, civil society organizations, financial institutions, philanthropies, and private sector leaders to explore innovative approaches to financing sustainable development across Africa.
FENRAD was represented by her Lagos Liaison Officer, Mr. Joshua Ibe Ojo John, who participated in high-level plenary sessions, policy dialogues, impact showcases, and strategic networking engagements. The summit provided an important opportunity for FENRAD to strengthen partnerships, exchange knowledge, and contribute to discussions on advancing inclusive and accountable development.

Highlights of Participation
FENRAD participated in key sessions, including:
South-South Cooperation in Innovative Health Financing, which explored regional collaboration and innovative financing mechanisms to improve healthcare systems across Africa.

Investing in Inclusion, highlighting the importance of gender- and youth-responsive financing in driving inclusive economic growth.
Youth, Innovation and the Creative Economy, which examined the role of innovation, entrepreneurship, and digital transformation in Africa's development.

Impact Showcases and Development Financing, featuring successful models of corporate philanthropy, impact investment, and partnerships for sustainable development
The summit also explored financing African innovation, strengthening corporate-development partnerships, and promoting resilient food systems as investable infrastructure.
Strategic Engagements and Key Outcomes
FENRAD engaged with development partners, investors, civil society organizations, and private sector stakeholders, creating opportunities for collaboration and future partnerships.

Key outcomes from the summit include:
Strengthened commitment to innovative financing for sustainable development.
Recognition of transparency and accountability as essential pillars of development financing.
Increased emphasis on citizen participation and inclusive governance.
Enhanced collaboration among governments, civil society, development partners, and the private sector to accelerate Africa's development agenda.
Conclusion
FENRAD Nigeria's participation in ASIS 2026 reaffirmed the organization's commitment to promoting environmental justice, human rights, transparency, accountable governance, and sustainable development. The insights gained and partnerships established will further strengthen FENRAD's advocacy and programming, ensuring that communities remain at the center of development financing and decision-making.
FENRAD Nigeria is committed to
Promoting Environmental Justice, Human Rights, Accountability and Sustainable Development.

25/07/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

24 July 2026

FENRAD Joins Human Rights Advocates to Chart a New Course for Justice and Accountability in the South-East

The Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy and Development (FENRAD) Nigeria joined leading human rights advocates, civil society organisations, government institutions, development partners, and other stakeholders at the official launch of the South-East Human Rights Bureau (SEHRB), describing the initiative as a significant milestone towards strengthening human rights protection, accountability, peace, and democratic governance in the region.

◻️The launch, held at Enugu, marked the beginning of a two-day regional programme (23–24 July 2026) organised by the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC).

◻️The programme featured the inauguration of the Bureau, the unveiling of the Open Source Reporting Platform, and a capacity-building training programme for South-East Human Rights Defenders.

◻️The initiative is led by RULAAC’s Executive Director, Mr. Okechukwu Nwanguma, with support from the Ford Foundation.

◻️The event brought together prominent human rights advocates, policymakers, justice sector institutions, civil society actors, development partners, security stakeholders, traditional and religious leaders, academics, and the media. Participants included Very Rev. Msgr. Prof. Obiora Ike, Prof. Joy Ngozi Ezeilo, OON, SAN, Dr. Sam Amadi, representatives of Amnesty International Nigeria, the National Human Rights Commission, the Nigerian Correctional Service, the Enugu State Ministry of Justice, and other institutions committed to advancing human rights and the rule of laws

◻️FENRAD Nigeria commends the collaborative efforts that led to the establishment of the South-East Human Rights Bureau, noting that the initiative provides a timely and strategic platform for coordinated human rights monitoring, documentation of violations, advocacy, early warning and response mechanisms, and constructive engagement among citizens, government institutions, and security agencies.

◻️The Foundation recognises that the South-East continues to face complex human rights and security challenges, including unlawful killings, kidnappings, arbitrary arrests and detention, enforced disappearances, gender-based violence, child rights violations, restrictions on civic freedoms, and other forms of abuse.

▫️FENRAD maintains that sustainable peace and development can only thrive where human dignity is protected, justice is accessible, institutions are accountable, and the rule of law remains central to governance.

◻️FENRAD further applauds the Bureau’s inclusive approach, which brings together government institutions, the National Human Rights Commission, civil society organisations, legal practitioners, traditional and religious leaders, academia, security agencies, women and youth groups, the media, and development partners to collectively address emerging human rights concerns across the region.

◻️The Foundation also welcomes the unveiling of the Open Source Reporting Platform, which will enhance the documentation, verification, analysis, and reporting of human rights violations while supporting evidence-based advocacy and improved regional early warning systems.

▫️ FENRAD eually recognises the importance of training South-East Human Rights Defenders to strengthen the capacity of frontline actors working to protect citizens and promote accountability

◻️Speaking on the significance of the initiative, the Executive Director of FENRAD Nigeria, Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor reaffirmed the Foundation’s unwavering commitment to human rights advocacy, environmental justice, community protection, and strategic interventions that promote peace, accountability, and sustainable development across the South-East region.

◻️The launch of the South-East Human Rights Bureau is a bold and necessary step towards building stronger accountability systems and ensuring that human rights remain at the centre of governance and peacebuilding.

◻️FENRAD remains committed to supporting initiatives that defend the dignity of citizens, protect civic space, promote justice, and advance sustainable development in the South-East and beyond.

◻️He further emphasised that FENRAD will continue to collaborate with human rights defenders, civil society organisations, government institutions, security agencies, and community stakeholders to address human rights concerns and promote a safer, more inclusive, and just society.

◻️The Foundation calls on the Governors of the five South-East states to provide the necessary political and institutional support required for the effective operation of the South-East Human Rights Bureau. FENRAD also urges security agencies to uphold their constitutional responsibilities with professionalism, accountability, and respect for fundamental human rights

◻️The establishment of the South-East Human Rights Bureau represents a renewed regional commitment to strengthening justice, accountability, peacebuilding, and sustainable development.

◻️FENRAD Nigeria remains dedicated to working with the Bureau and other stakeholders to ensure that human rights protection becomes a shared responsibility and a lasting foundation for progress in the South-East.

❇️About FENRAD Nigeria;

❇️The Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy and Development (FENRAD) Nigeria is a human rights and environmental justice organisation committed to promoting the protection of fundamental human rights, environmental sustainability, social justice, accountability, and good governance.

📍Through advocacy, research, community engagement, policy interventions, and strategic partnerships,

📍FENRAD works to amplify the voices of vulnerable communities, defend civic freedoms, promote environmental rights, and support initiatives that advance justice, peace, and sustainable development

◻️FENRAD has remained committed to human rights advocacy and intervention efforts across the South-East and Nigeria, working with communities, civil society actors, institutions, and development partners to promote a society where human dignity, justice, and accountability are upheld.

📍Signed:
Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor Executive Director
Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy and Development (FENRAD) Nigeria

25/07/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FENRAD Calls for Immediate Remediation and Humanitarian Intervention at Uzuakoli Erosion Disaster Sites

Date: July 25, 2026

Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria –

Foundation For Environmental Rights,Advocacy & Development - Fenrad-Nigeria Express concern over the worsening gully erosion crisis in Uzuakoli, Bende Local Government Area of Abia State, describing the situation as both an environmental catastrophe and a humanitarian emergency requiring urgent, coordinated, and sustainable intervention.

◻️The Uzuakoli erosion site has become one of the most significant ecological threats in Abia State.

◻️Decades of unchecked land degradation have endangered lives, destroyed livelihoods, displaced families, and placed critical public infrastructure at risk.

◻️The continued expansion of the gully exposes surrounding communities to severe environmental hazards while undermining agricultural productivity, local economic development, and community resilience.

▫️FENRAD acknowledges recent efforts by concerned stakeholders to draw national attention to the crisis and reiterates that addressing environmental disasters of this magnitude requires strong collaboration among government institutions, development partners, civil society organizations, host communities, traditional institutions, and the private sector.
Recognizing the scale and complexity of the disaster,

◻️FENRAD notes that the Abia State Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP) is well positioned to provide the comprehensive technical, engineering, environmental, and community-based interventions required to address the Uzuakoli gully erosion menace. Given its mandate and experience in erosion control, watershed management, and ecological restoration,

◻️FENRAD urges the Abia State Government and relevant Federal Government agencies to leverage the technical expertise, institutional capacity, and implementation framework established under NEWMAP to facilitate a timely, sustainable, and long-term solution for the affected communities.
Environmental Impact Assessment
FENRAD's assessment indicates that the continuing erosion has generated extensive environmental, social, and economic consequences, including,

◻️Extensive loss of fertile agricultural land, resulting in declining agricultural productivity and heightened food insecurity.

◻️Destruction of indigenous vegetation and biodiversity, leading to habitat fragmentation and reduced ecological resilience.

◻️Increased sedimentation of streams and drainage channels, degrading water quality and disrupting aquatic ecosystems.

◻️Accelerated surface runoff due to inadequate drainage infrastructure and poor watershed management, further enlarging erosion channels.

◻️Heightened flood risks during periods of intense rainfall as natural watercourses become obstructed or diverted.

◻️Land instability threatening residential buildings, schools, healthcare facilities, religious centres, roads, electricity infrastructure, and other public assets.
Increased greenhouse gas emissions associated with vegetation loss and reduced carbon sequestration capacity.

◻️Greater vulnerability to climate-induced disasters as degraded landscapes lose their ability to absorb intense rainfall.

◻️Progressive loss of ecosystem services essential for agriculture, groundwater recharge, erosion control, and local climate regulation.
Beyond its ecological consequences, the advancing gully has created profound humanitarian challenges. Families face displacement, loss of shelter, destruction of farms and businesses, disruption of education, reduced access to healthcare, and worsening economic hardship. Women, children, older persons, and persons living with disabilities remain among the most vulnerable groups affected by the disaster.

◻️Call for Immediate
◻️FENRAD calls on the Abia State Government, the Federal Ministry of Environment, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Ecological Project Office, the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), relevant committees of the National and State Assemblies, and international development partners to urgently undertake coordinated interventions, including:

▫️Comprehensive geotechnical and hydrological investigations.

◻️Emergency stabilization of active gully heads.

▫️Construction of sustainable drainage and stormwater management infrastructure

◻️Ecological restoration through afforestation and watershed rehabilitation.

Climate-resilient land-use planning and enforcement.

▫️Continuous environmental monitoring and maintenance.

Community-based disaster risk reduction and environmental education programmes.

◻️FENRAD further urges the Abia State Government to prioritize the Uzuakoli erosion site for immediate intervention through the institutional framework and technical expertise of the Abia State NEWMAP and other relevant environmental and infrastructure programmes to ensure a comprehensive and sustainable response.

Humanitarian Response
▫️FENRAD further calls for the immediate deployment of humanitarian assistance to affected households, including:

▫️Emergency relief materials.
Temporary shelter for displaced families.
Safe water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services.

◻️Medical outreach and psychosocial support.

▫️Educational support for children whose schooling has been disrupted.

◻️Livelihood restoration programmes for affected farmers and small businesses.
Policy and Governance

▫️Recommendations
To ensure lasting and sustainable outcomes,
▫️FENRAD recommends the establishment of a transparent multi-stakeholder response framework involving government agencies, environmental experts, academia, civil society organizations, traditional institutions, youth groups, women's organizations, host communities, and development partners.

◻️The proposed framework should prioritize:
▫️Transparency and accountability.
Community participation Evidence based planning

▫️Climate resilience.
Long-term environmental sustainability.
◻️FENRAD further advocates increased investment in climate adaptation, integrated watershed management, environmental monitoring, ecological restoration, and strict enforcement of environmental regulations to prevent similar disasters across Abia State and the wider South-East region.

◻️Environmental degradation is fundamentally a human rights issue.
◻️Every citizen has the right to live in a safe, healthy, and sustainable environment. Delayed intervention not only compounds ecological damage but also deepens poverty, displacement, food insecurity, and social vulnerability.

◻️FENRAD reaffirms its commitment to advancing environmental justice through evidence-based advocacy, policy engagement, public awareness, strategic partnerships, and constructive collaboration with all stakeholders dedicated to protecting Nigeria's environment and vulnerable communities.

Signed
Comrade Nnanna Nwafor
Executive Director
FENRAD

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Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy and Development (FENRAD)
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.fenrad.org.ng
Tel: +2348033383708, +2347062949232
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